Flooding in Shiocton April 15, 2026. PC: Fox 11 Online
SHIOCTON, WI (WTAQ-WLUK) — Sandbagging continues near Shiocton while the village is currently inaccessible due to flooding.
The village said Thursday morning everything west of Second Street was closed because the roads were too flooded. Those who had not sandbagged were not allowed in.
Residents on the village’s east side were still allowed to sandbag Thursday morning, but were warned to do so quickly. As of Thursday afternoon, Outagamie County Executive Tom Nelson said Shiocton was closed to all traffic other than emergency vehicles.
Earlier Thursday, the village warned residents who have not yet evacuated to do so before strong storms that are forecast to move through Friday night. Shiocton-area residents who are evacuated may go to the Fox West YMCA, located at W6931 School Road in Greenville, to shower or clean up. A photo ID is required. Many hotels in the Fox Cities are also offering discounted rates.
At the Ellington Town Hall, just a short drive from Shiocton, volunteers started bagging sand early Thursday morning. The bags are being prepared primarily for Shiocton, and officials say community support has been staggering. As many as 145 people were at the town hall at one point to lend a helping hand. As of about 3:15 p.m., 31 truckloads of sand had been delivered, with more on the way.
“We’re going to haul in as much sand until the need’s not there anymore,” said Ellington Fire Department Lieutenant Jason Gagnow. “Obviously, you never expect that many people showing up, and it’s great for the turnout of the community and the people supporting people in the community. It’s been awesome. I’m actually surprised. We’re a rural community where neighbors help neighbors, and there’s the proof.”
The work continues as conditions in some communities along the Wolf River, like Shiocton, worsen. As of Thursday afternoon, Nelson said the volunteers had prepared 60,000 bags of sand.
“We have seen that the water level has gone up. It’s gone up a couple of inches,” said Nelson.
Nelson said the impact of the floods has Governor Tony Evers’ attention. He stopped by Shiocton Thursday to view the damage and meet with local volunteers and officials.
“Spending 10 minutes with him, you can tell that he was devastated by this. He knows what these disasters mean to communities, especially small communities like Shiocton,” he said.
Nelson said Outagamie County will need as much support from both the state and federal governments as can be provided. He added the county hasn’t yet reached out to the federal government, nor has the county been contacted.
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